Fastening device allowing for single-handed operation

Abstract

The present invention discloses a fastening device that requires only one hand to install, size and secure an object. One example of the fastening device is a belt used as a means for securing a user's pants. Other examples include securing, with one hand, other objects including hoses, cylinders, containers and the like. The invention also discloses a unique method for aiding permanently or temporarily handicapped individuals for securing objects that they would otherwise be unable to secure.

1 . A fastening device comprising; 
 a barrier feature which retains one end of said fastening device at a loop;    and a hook and loop fastening system for securing said fastening device;    wherein said securing of said fastening device is accomplished by using a single hand.    
   
   
       2 . A fastening device as in  claim 1 , wherein said fastening device is a belt or strap.  
   
   
       3 . A fastening device as in  claim 1 , wherein said loop is optionally part of an object or objects to be secured.  
   
   
       4 . A fastening device as in  claim 1 , wherein said barrier feature may be constructed of metal or plastic.  
   
   
       5 . A fastening device as in  claim 2 , wherein said belt or strap may be constructed of leather, imitation leather, thermoplastic such as vinyl, fabric such as canvas, and wherein said materials optionally exhibit elasticity sufficient to allow for stretching said materials in either a longitudinal or horizontal direction to at least twice an original length of said materials, and wherein said materials may be used in combination with any other materials.  
   
   
       6 . A fastening device as in  claim 1 , wherein said barrier feature functions as a component secured to one end of said fastening device.  
   
   
       7 . A fastening device as in  claim 1 , wherein said barrier feature is optionally a hook or a barrier feature larger than said loop.  
   
   
       8 . A fastening device as in  claim 1 , wherein said device includes said hook and loopfastening system is incorporated minimally on each end of said device.  
   
   
       9 . A fastening device as in  claim 1 , wherein said device requires no more than one hand to accomplish encircling and secure fastening.  
   
   
       10 . A method for single handedly using a fastening device comprising; 
 providing a starting position wherein said starting position comprises a retained end of said fastening device by a barrier or hook at a loop;    encircling an object or objects to be secured with said fastening device;    applying a force to an unretained end to complete a circuit around an object or objects; and;    contacting said retained one end with said unretained end;    applying pressure to both said one end and said unretained end, thereby securing said hook and loop fastening system.    
   
   
       11 . The method as in  claim 10 , wherein inserting a belt or strap within at least one loop such that said barrier or hook is retained and prevented from moving further in an insertion direction is accomplished.  
   
   
       12 . The method as in  claim 10 , wherein placing said unretained end around said object or objects to be secured is accomplished.  
   
   
       13 . The method as in  claim 11 , wherein pulling said unretained end with a force necessary to define a loop or size is accomplished.  
   
   
       14 . The method as in  claim 10 , wherein maintianing said encircling size or force is accomplished by overlapping and securing said fastening device with said hook and loop fastening system.  
   
   
       15 . A system including a fastening device which comprises; 
 a barrier feature which retains one end of said fastening device at a loop;    and a hook and loop fastening system for securing said fastening device;    wherein said securing of said fastening device is accomplished by using a single hand and wherein said fastening device is used by;    providing a starting position wherein said starting position comprises a retained one end of said fastening device by a barrier or hook at a loop;    encircling an object or objects to be secured with said fastening device;    applying a force to an unretained end to complete a circuit around an object or objects; and;    contacting said retained one end with said unretained end;    applying pressure to both said one end and said unretained end, thereby securing said hook and loop fastening system.    
   
   
       16 . The system of  claim 15 , wherein said fastening device is a belt or strap.  
   
   
       17 . The system of  claim 15 , wherein said loop is optionally part of an object or objects to be secured.  
   
   
       18 . The system of  claim 15 , wherein said barrier may be constructed of metal or plastic.  
   
   
       19 . The system of  claim 15 , wherein wherein said belt or strap may be constructed of leather, imitation leather, thermoplastic such as vinyl, fabric such as canvas, wherein said materials optionally exhibit elasticity sufficient to allow for stretching said materials in either a longitudinal or horizontal direction to at least twice an original length of said materials, and wherein said materials may be used in combination with said other materials disclosed.  
   
   
       20 . The system of  claim 15 , wherein said barrier feature functions as a component secured to one end of said fastening device.  
   
   
       21 . The system of  claim 15 , wherein said barrier feature is optionally a hook or a barrier feature larger than said loop.  
   
   
       22 . The system of  claim 15 , wherein said device includes said hook and loop fastening system incorporated minimally on each end of the device.  
   
   
       23 . The system of  claim 15 , wherein said device requires no more than the use of one hand to accomplish proper and secure fastening.  
   
   
       24 . The system of  claim 15 , wherein a belt or strap is inserted within at least one loop such that said barrier or hook is retained and prevented from moving further in an insertion direction.  
   
   
       25 . The system of  claim 15 , wherein said unretained end is placed around said object or objects to be secured.  
   
   
       26 . The system of  claim 15 , wherein said belt or strap is pulled with a force necessary to define a loop or size.  
   
   
       27 . The system of  claim 15 , wherein said loop size or force is maintained by overlapping and securing said fastening device with said hook and loop fastening system.  
   
   
       28 . A fastening device kit which comprises; 
 a barrier feature which retains one end of said fastening device at a loop;    and a hook and loop fastening system for securing said fastening device; said kit providing for the securing of said fastening device all of which is accomplished by using a single hand.    
   
   
       29 . The fastening device kit of  claim 28 , wherein said barrier feature is inserted or fastened to a belt or strap.  
   
   
       30 . The fastening device kit of  claim 28 , wherein said hook and loop fastening system is applied, secured or fastened to a belt or strap.  
   
   
       31 . The fastening device kit of  claim 28 , wherein fastening of said barrier and said hook and loop fastening system components enables securing of a belt or strap using a single hand.